Robin wrote:Hey there,
I'm looking at getting 2 new rifles soon and looking at TIKKA T3X SUPER VARMINT STAINLESS in both .223 and .308, Im looking at having something to do both hunting and target shooting , and I also want to cover from shooting rabbits to pigs, is the Tikka good for what I want , or is there better for the price I will be paying .
TassieTiger wrote:Any specific reason you are also looking at .308 ? If your getting a 223 anyway - you’ll be shooting most medium game, no worries with that. If your thinking deer longer term, you could also consider a 270 or a 30-06 or 300wm. Also - consider if reloading is a future want as this might also sway decision in Calibre.
in2anity wrote:I bet if you pickup a 308 alongside a 223, you'll hardly shoot the 308. For moderate target work, the 223 is very capable. It also seems silly to buy two heavy guns - buy one heavy gun, use it at the range. Buy a second light gun, carry it around.
My advice - get yourself a nice target rifle for target shooting - heavy tikkas are pretty boggling. Then get a hunting rifle for hunting (perhaps a bit later). If you're set on the 308 for hunting - how about the Ruger Compact 16.5"? I love carbines for the bush. Or what about a Ruger Ranch in 762x39? - they are dirt cheap and shoot surprisingly well.
SCJ429 wrote:I think a Tikka T3 Varmint in 223 with a 1:8 twist barrel is an excellent way to start out in competition shooting out to 500 metres and beyond. I have one myself and use it to practice or use it in competition to keep up with the conditions. It has shot under an inch at 300 and under three inches at 500 in competition. I use 80 grain Bergers which are probably the best quality reasonably price bullet out there.
in2anity wrote:I think a Tikka T3 Varmint in 223 with a 1:8 twist barrel is an excellent way to start out in competition shooting out to 500 metres and beyond. I have one myself and use it to practice or use it in competition to keep up with the conditions. It has shot under an inch at 300 and under three inches at 500 in competition. I use 80 grain Bergers which are probably the best quality reasonably price bullet out there.
With the 80 Bergers, when seated near the lands, do they feed ok from the magazine?
SCJ429 wrote:I have to shoot single shot and not from a magazine, I feel that seating them that far into the case would rob too much room for powder from the case. You may do better with 70 or 69 grain VLD.
duddley75 wrote:Glad your question came up as I was have similar thoughts.
For hunting I was thinking 308 Tikka CTR (looking at Deer and Pigs)
For Target shooting (and I should mention I want to do this for fun , not winning comps) looking at the 308 Howa 1500 in the MDT Ess chassis (24in barrel). After reading this thread I am thinking of changing to the 223 for the target shoots (same rifle). The club I shoot at has targets from 300m to 800m.
in2anity wrote:Tassie - sounds like a keeper. I’ve been eyeing those Sauers off every time I go in for supplies. Although my safe is bulging at the seams!
Copper fouling is a pain - just curious, are you using an ammonia based solvent for cleaning? Such as Sweets?
TassieTiger wrote:That being said re copper - even at its heaviest fouling - it was still shooting insanely well and I’d put it up against my tikka.